Posts discuss study finding that weight loss drugs were associated with lower opioid overdose risk

Plus, a free naloxone vending machine in Nebraska reignited false claims about harm reduction.

This past week, a study found that the active ingredient in some medications prescribed for diabetes and weight loss may have therapeutic benefits for people with opioid use disorder, generating discussion on X and Reddit. In response to Nebraska’s first free naloxone vending machine, Facebook users debated the necessity of naloxone, with some repeating the false claim that naloxone “enables” drug use.

Conversation about medication for OUD and other substance use disorders provides an opportunity to highlight which medications are approved for this purpose now and how they work. Communicators may also recirculate information about naloxone and restate that this lifesaving medication helps prevent overdose deaths.

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What’s trending nationally in conversations about opioids

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, is associated with a lower risk of opioid overdose in diabetic people with opioid use disorder compared to other diabetes medications. The study sparked conversation on X and Reddit, where some people celebrated the news and shared personal anecdotes about how they believe these medications helped them reduce substance use. However, others expressed concerns about the price and digestive side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy.

Last week, a Nebraska substance use and mental health treatment center installed the state’s first free naloxone vending machine. Local news websites shared articles about the vending machine on Facebook, where some comments applauded the news. Others falsely claimed that naloxone “enables” drug use and blamed immigrants for bringing dangerous drugs to the U.S. Some comments also suggested that other forms of medical treatment—like insulin for diabetes—should be available for free instead of naloxone.

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Recommendations for public health professionals

Each week, the Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. These helpful tips can be used when creating content, updating web and FAQ pages, and developing strategy for messaging about opioids.

While the research about semaglutide is encouraging, it is not approved to treat opioid use disorder or other substance use disorders. Sharing information about medications that are approved to treat opioid use disorder—buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone—and explaining how they work is recommended. Medications for substance use disorders may be covered by insurance. The out-of-pocket cost for each medication varies. SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) can help connect people to health care providers and drug treatment centers that offer these medications and other forms of treatment and support. Communicators may also remind people with co-occurring diabetes and opioid use disorder to take their medications as prescribed under the guidance of their health care providers.

In response to persisting false claims about naloxone, communicators may emphasize that naloxone is a lifesaving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. Research shows that naloxone does not lead to increased substance use. Experts attribute the recent decline in overdose deaths to the availability of naloxone. Sharing where people can access naloxone in your area (either for free from community programs or purchased over the counter) and explaining how to use it is recommended. Communicators may also recirculate materials outlining the signs of an opioid overdose, which may include slow breathing, loss of consciousness, and small pupils.